Washer for hospital and laboratory glassware and the like

ABSTRACT

A washing machine for laboratory-type glassware having an improved coupler 175 FIGS. 10-14) including an interchangeable rotary head 300 and having rails 111 adapted to receive a rollable dolly 135 supporting a variety of holders including a spindle rack 190 and pipette holder 219.

United States Patent 1 1 3,590,863

[72] Inventors Francis S. Faust {50] Field of Search 134/63, Buffalo;82-83, 144, 145,148,152,165,167,170,l76, Ernest R. Edmunds, Tonawanda,both 01, 179, 200; 239/251, 261, 264, 265 NY. 121 Appl. N0. 820,708 1 1R ferences Cited [22] Fiied Apr. 28, 1969 UNITED STATES PATENTS 145Patented July 6,1971 1,249,514 12 1917 SChalel 134/200 ux 173! g f s N3,009,470 11 1961 Zurek 134 176 3,017,892 1/1962 Mixon 134/165 x 3 'l3,064,665 1 1/1962 Martiniak..... 134/176 3,o70,104 12/1962 Faust et a1.134/165 x 1967; 3,253,784 5/1966 Long et al 239/264 x abandoned which 15a continuation of FOREIGN PATENTS application Ser. No. 423,962, Jan. 7,1965, now abandoned. 453,013 11/1927 Germany 134/82 313,164 8/1930 GreatBritain 134/83 OTHER REFERENCES TURBOMATIC, Better Built Machinery Co.,"8/62, p. 3 (copy in group 367). 134/145 [54] WASHER FOR HOSPITAL ANDLABORATORY Primary Exammer-R0bert Bleutge 13 Claims, Drawing Figs. [52]U.S.Cl 134/144, ABSTRACT: A washing machine for laboratory-type glass-134/148, 134/152, 134/165, 134/176, 239/251, ware having an improvedcoupler FlGS. 10-44) includ- 239/265 ing an interchangeable rotary head300 and having rails 111 [51] Int. Cl B08b 3/02, adapted to receive arollable dolly 135 supporting a variety of B67c 1/00 holders including aspindle rack and pipette holder 219.

DlSTILLED WATER 757 COLD WATER HOT WATER PATENIEU JUL 6|97| 3.590.863

:jj SORTING/ l TABLES SHEET 1 UF 8 '9 1 r NONSTERILE STORAGE AND SORTINGAREA E r za y" T l iii: 40 J L .1 7%/1/Q'1 J RACK STORAGE r I'] 4 TFILLED RACKS a CONTAINERS Z T] CENTRAL SUPPLY WASHER UNIVERSAL WASHER -ji l 45 DECONTAfiNATION J l ii-w T 29%;? 4- L 1 AREA 4 U 50 mTll/[l 1 ifI j 1 rrr EMPTY RACKS a CONTAINERS INVENTORS Froncls S. Faust Ernest R.Edmunds mmdlm ATTORNEYS 1 --PAT-ENTE[IJUL 6l97| 3,590,863

SHEET 3 BF 8 INVENTORS Francis 8; Faust Ernest' R. Edmunds ATTORNEYSPATENTED JUL 6l97| 3.590.863

SHEET 5 [1F 8 INVENTORS Froncls S.- Faus* Ernest R. Edmunds ATTORNEYSPATENTEUJUL BIB?! 3,590,863

sum 7 BF 8 INVENTORS 90 1 z 144' 276 Francis 8. Faust 11 2Q 1 Ernest R.Edmunds ATTO'R NEYS WASHER FOR HOSPITAL AND LABORATORY GLASSWARE AND THELIKE This application is a continuation of application Ser. No. 723,332,filed Apr. 22, I968, which in turn is a continuation of application Ser.No. 608,702, filed Jan. I I, 1967, which in turn is a continuation ofapplication Ser. No. 423,962, filed Jan. 7, I965, all ofwhich are nowabandoned.

This invention relates to a washing machine and more particularly to awasher for laboratory type glassware as used in hospitals and researchorganizations, although features of the invention are adapted to washersused for any kind of articles.

An object of the invention is to provide such a washer which functionsto isolate the soiled article decontamination area of an institutionfrom the washed article nonsterile storage and sorting area thereof,this being achieved by providing a barrier wall between these two areasand mounting the washer made in accordance with the present invention soas to be a part of this barrier wall, the soiled glassware or othersoiled articles being fed into the inlet end of the washer from thesoiled article decontamination area, and the washed articles beingremoved from the washer in the nonsterile storage and sorting areathereof.

Another object is to provide such a pass-through washer in which theloading and unloading is extremely simple, is being merely necessary toload a dolly on the inlet side with a rack or holder loaded with soiledarticles and push the dolly into the washer, and thereafter to pull thedolly out from the exit side of the washer and remove the rack or holderloaded with cleaned articles.

Another aim is to provide such a pass-through washer which is closedduring the washing, rinsing or other treating period and in which theclosure members are utilized to facilitate both the loading andunloading operations.

Another object is to provide such a washer which includes a variety ofinterchangeable holders for the glassware, which holders are severallyadapted for the efficient water pressure washing and rinsing ofdifferent varieties of laboratory glassware.

Another object of the invention is to provide, for certain of saidholders, a water supply coupling adapted to couple with a pressurizedwater distribution conduit in the holder and which is moved into an outof operative position automatically, such movement being effected inresponse to starting and stopping the supply of rinse or wash water.

Another object of the invention is to provide a simple and effectiverotary spray tree which can be substituted for the coupler described inthe preceding paragraph and which rotary spray tree effectively washesthe under sides of articles contained in other varieties of holders.

Another object is to provide a dolly useable in conjunction with avariety of holders in which each holder can be quickly and easilymounted on the dolly and latched thereto.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent from thefollowing description and drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a floor plan of a portion of the hospital showing the locationof the washer embodying the present invention as a pass-through washerbetween a decontamination area and a nonsterile storage and sortingarea.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged transverse vertical section taken generally online 2-2, FIG. 1, parts being shown in elevation and the washer cabinetbeing shown as containing a dolly carrying a spindle rack.

FIG. 3 is a vertical section taken generally on line 3-3, FIG. 2 andillustrating one door in an open position and supporting certaincomponents capable of being moved into the washing compartment.

FIG. 4 is a horizontal section taken generally on line 4-4, FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged fragmentary vertical section taken generally online 5-5, FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a fragmentary horizontal section taken generally on line 6-6,FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of one of the doors arranged in a generallyhorizontal position.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a dolly-forming part of the washer andshown as carrying the spindle rack of FIGS. 2-4.

FIG. 9 is a fragmentary enlarged vertical section taken generally online 9-9, FIG. 8 and particularly illustrating the attachment of thespindle rack to the dolly.

FIG. 10 is a fragmentary enlarged vertical section taken generally onlines 10-10, FIGS. 3 and 8 and illustrating portions of the dolly, itstrack, the spindle rack and a hydraulic coupler through which water forwashing and rinsing are supplied to the spindle rack.

FIGS. 11-14 are fragmentary horizontal sections taken on thecorrespondingly numbered lines, FIG. 10.

FIG. 15 is a fragmentary top plan view of the dolly shown in thepreceding figures but showing the same carrying a tank type of holderinstead of thespindle rack illustrated in FIGS. 2-10.

FIG. 16 is a fragmentary vertical section taken generally on line 16-16,FIG. 15 and showing the tank containing a removable holder for washinglarge or open mouth pipettes.

FIG. 17 is a view similar to FIG. 16 showing the tank converted into apressure tank and containing a removable holder for washing small mouthpipettes.

FIG. 18 is a view similar to FIG. 15 showing the dolly carrying a holderand a surgical instrument basket instead of the spindle rack illustratedin FIGS. 2-10.

FIG. 19 is a fragmentary vertical section taken line 19-19, FIG. 18.

FIG. 20 is a fragmentary vertical section taken generally on line 20-20,FIG. 18.

FIG. 21 is a vertical section through the water supply nozzle shown inthe preceding figures but showing the same rotatably supporting a rotaryspray tree for rotation about the vertical axis of the nozzle.

FIG. 22 is a top plane view of the hub of the rotary spray treeillustrated in FIG. 21, with parts broken away.

FIG. 23 is a fragmentary vertical section similar to FIG. 2 showing thedolly of the preceding figures carrying a rack for petri dishes.

FIG. 24 is a view similar to FIGS. 2 and 23 and showing the dolly of thepreceding figures carrying a rack for large mouth beakcrs.

FIG. 25 is a view similar to FIGS. 2, 23 and 24 and showing the dolly ofthe preceding figures carrying a rack for test tubes.

generally on LOCATION OF WASHING MACHINE While features of the inventioncan be adapted to washers for any kind of articles, the invention isespecially illustrated in conjunction with washing the many varieties oflaboratorytype glassware and instruments used in hospitals or otherresearch organizations, and in FIG. 1 is illustrated the floor plan of apart of such a hospital or research organization in which the soiledlaboratory-type glassware and instruments are brought to a soiledlaboratory-type glassware and instruments are brought to a soiled entryarea 30 where the various types of glassware or surgical instruments canbe placed in the various racks or holders hereinafter described. Thesefilled racks or holders are then taken to a decontamination or washingarea 31 having a wall 32 separating it from the nonsterile storage andsorting area 33.

A pass-through washer 35 embodying the present invention is fitted in anopening 36 in this wall 32 and one or more additional pass-throughwashers 37, of larger or smaller size and adapted for washing otherarticles, can also be fitted in another opening 38 in this wall. Thewall 32 and washers 35, 37 therefore effectively isolate the areas 33and 45 from the area 31.

The various racks, holders and baskets hereinafter described, containingthe different varieties of washed laboratory glassware or instrumentsare removed from the passthrough washer 35 embodying the presentinvention on carts which are assembled in rows in the nonsterile storageand sorting area 33 opposite sorting tables 40 where the glassware andinstruments are sorted and placed in suitable containers (not shown)upon an endless belt 41 which delivers the same through an opening 42 ina wall 44 to a presterile area 45 from which the glassware andinstruments are placed in a sterilizer (not shown). The differentvarieties of racks or holders, hereinafter described, are brought backthrough a door 46 to the soiled area entry 30 for refilling with thedifferent varieties of laboratory glassware or instruments as previouslydescribed.

THE CABINET AND WASH WATER STORAGE TANK The cabinet 50 of thepass-through washing machine 35 comprises an outer sheet metal shell 51having front and rear walls 52 and 53 connected by sidewalls 54 and 55and a top wall 56, the bottom being open and strengthened by internalangle irons 58 around its bottom. At the four corners of the bottomframe formed by these angle irons 58, vertically adjustable feet 59 ofany suitable form are provided to support and permit ofleveling thecabinet.

The front and rear walls 52 and 53 are provided in their upper partswith rectangular front and rear door openings 60 and 60a. The horizontaltops of these openings are defined by inwardly projecting horizontalflanges 61 and 61a, respectively, and the sides of these openings aredefined by inwardly projecting vertical side flanges 62 and 62a. Thehorizontal bottom edges 63 and 63a of these openings are unflanged. Tothe edge portion of each horizontal upper flange 61 and 61a is suitablysecured an edge of a sheet metal strip 64 and 64a which is of Z-shapedform in cross section, the offset portions of these strips formingchannels 65 and 65a which open toward the outside of the cabinet. To theedge portion of each vertical side flange 62 and 62a is suitably securedan edge of a sheet metal strip 66 and 66a which is of Z-shaped form incross section, the offset portions of these strips forming channels 68and 68a which open toward the outside of the cabinet.

The cabinet 50 also comprises an inner shell 70 which forms a washingcompartment 71 and a wash water storage tank compartment 72, the spacebetween the inner and outer shells 50 and 70 forming a motor, pump andpiping compartment.

The inner shell 70 comprises front and rear walls 75 and 75a which aresuitably secured to the outer shell front and rear walls 52 and 53 inface-to-face relation therewith. Each of these front and rear innershell walls 75 and 75a is provided with a door opening 76 and 76aconforming respectively to the door openings 60 and 60a of the outershell 50. The horizontal top edge of each inner shell door opening 76and 76a is in the form ofa horizontal flange 78 and 78a seated on thecorresponding flange 61 and 61a of the outer shell 50.

The horizontal bottom edge of each inner shell door open ing 76 and 76ais in the form of anoffset 79 and 79a forming an upwardly opening troughprotruding outwardly through the corresponding opening 60, 60a of theouter shell 50, the ends of these troughs being closed by small verticalend heads 80 and 80a.

The inner shell front and rear walls 75 and 75a are not so wide as theouter shell front and rear walls 52 and 53 and also are not so wide intheir areas forming the wash water storage tank compartment 72 as theirareas forming the washing compartment 71 as best shown in FIG. 2. Thebottom edges of the inner shell front and rear walls are connected bythe bottom wall 81 of the wash water storage tank compartment 72. Thetop edges of the inner shell front and rear walls 75 and 75a areconnected by an inner shell top wall 82 from which a vent pipe 83extends upwardly through the outer shell top wall 56. Between thewashing compartment 71 and the wash water storage tank compartment 72the inner shell front and rear walls are connected by a horizontaltrough-shaped bottom wall 85 which is shaped to drain toward the centerinto a central tail pipe 86 discharging downwardly into the wash waterstorage tank compartment 72. One inner shell sidewall 88 is connected atits edges to the meeting edges of the inner shell top wall 80, front andrear walls 75 and 75a and the bottom wall 81 of the wash water storagetank compartment 72. The opposite other inner shell sidewall is in theform of an upper sheet metal rectangular section 89 and a lower sheetmetal rectangular section 90. The upper rectangular section 89 isconnected to the upper parts of the vertical side edges of the innershell front and rear walls 75 and 75a and to the horizontal edges of theinner shell top wall 82 and bottom wall of the washing compartment 71.The lower rectangular section 90 is connected to the lower parts of thevertical side edges of the inner shell front and rear walls 75 and 75aand to the horizontal edge of the bottom 81 of the wash water storagetank compartment 72. The top edge of the lower inner shell sidewallsection 90 abuts and is preferably connected to the bottom of the bottomwall 85 of the washing compartment 71.

WASH WATER DIVERTER A rectangular waste water tank or trough 95, open atits top, is mounted on this inner shell sidewall section 90 and isprovided with a drain outlet 98 extending through this inner shellsidewall section 90 which drain outlet connects with a main drain line100 extending through the outer shell sidewall 54 of the cabinet. Adeflector plate 101 is mounted upon a horizontal rock shaft 102 belowthe tail pipe 86 the ends of which rock shaft are journaled in bearings103 carried by the inner shell front and rear walls 75 and 75a. A rocklever 104 is fast to one end of this rock shaft 102 and a mechanism 105is provided for swinging this rock lever and deflector plate from aposition in which it diverts the wash water from the tail pipe 86 intothe waste water tank or trough 95 or into the body 106 of wash watercontained within the wash water storage tank compartment 72 for whichbody the waste water tank 95 forms an overflow.

DOORS AND TRACK FOR DOLLY As best shown in FIG. 2, 3 and 4, L-shapedbrackets 110 are secured to the inner faces of the inner shell sidewalls88 and 89 at the four corners of the cabinet to project horizontallyinwardly therefrom in the same horizontal plane which is preferablyslightly above the troughs 79 forming the lower margins of the dooropenings. The pair of brackets 110 at each side of the washer support ahorizontal rail 111 which is C- shaped in cross section, the channels ofwhich rails open in opposition to each other.-

Front and rear doors 115 and 115a close the front and rear door openings60 and 60a so as to define the front and rear ends of the pass-throughwashing compartment 71, these doors also carrying rails 118, 1180 whichmate with and form continuations of the rails 111 when the doors areopened. Since these doors and their mountings, and their tracks, areidentical in construction, a description of one (the front door) will bedeemed to apply to both, the corresponding parts of the rear door 115abeing distinguished by the suffix a.

Each door 115 comprises a sheet metal panel 119 with its top edge formedto provide a lateral flange 120 adapted to enter the channel 65 formedby the top Z-shaped strip 64 and with each of its vertical side edgesformed to provide a lateral flange 121 adapted to enter the channel 68formed by the corresponding Z-shaped side strip 66 of the cabinet. Thelower end of each of these vertical side flanges 121, as best shown inH6. 6 and 7, is provided with a hole 122 aligning with a bearing bushing123 welded or otherwise secured to the inside of the flange 121. Thebearing bushings 123 for each door are in horizontal alignment with eachother and are supported by pivot pins 124 extending through openings 125in the outer shell vertical flanges 62 at the door openings and weldedto the inner shell sidewall panels 88 and 89. The lower edge of eachdoor 115 is provided with an inwardly offset angular drip flange 128 andthe axis of the pivot pins 124 for each door is placed so that each doorcan be swung from the vertical full line closed position to the brokenline horizontal open position illustrated in FIG 5. in this lastposition the edges of the side flanges 121 engage the undersides of stopblocks 129 suitably secured to the inner shell sidewall panels 88 and 89as best shown in FIGS. 4 and 5.

Each door carries the pair of parallel rails 118 which are shown asbeing h-shaped in cross section, these rails aligning horizontally withthe C-shaped rails 11] of the cabinet when the doors are open. Each doorcan also be strengthened by cross ribs in the form of suitably securedchannels 130 having their ends abutting the sides of the rails 118.

The outer shell of the cabinet is provided above each door opening 60,60a with a suitable catch 131, 131a to be engaged by a manuallyreleasably latch 132, 132a mounted on the exterior and outboard end ofthe corresponding door 115, a.

THE DOLLY The dolly, indicated generally at 135, is designed to rollfrom the tracks 118 on the open horizontal front door 115 onto the rails111 in the washing compartment 71 and thence onto the rails 118a of theopen horizontal rear door 115a, these doors being closed during thewashing operation.

As best shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the dolly comprises a rectangular frameof marginal front, rear and side channel bars 138, 139 and 140 joinedtogether at their ends with their channels opening downwardly. Each ofthese channel bars is also provided with horizontal flanges projectinginwardly from its lower edge to provide a supporting shelf. Theseflanges 141 for the side channel bars 140 extend the full length ofthese bars but these flanges 142 for the front and rear channel bars 138and 139 terminate short of their center to leave gaps 144. The front andrear ends of each side channel bar 140 is supported by rollers 146,these riding on the h-shaped rails 118 and 1180 of the front and reardoors 115 and 1150 and also on the C-shaped rails 111 in the washingcompartment 71. The dolly is also provided with front and rear handles148.

To support the different varieties of holders hereinafter described, theinside wall of the rear crossbar 139 is provided with a central circularopening 150 in its inner upright wall and this wall is also providedwith a pair of circular openings 151 flanking the central opening 150.

THE WASH AND RINSE WATER SUPPLY The wash and rinse water supply includesa recirculation pump 155 having an inlet 156 withdrawing wash water fromthe wash water storage tank compartment 72. Distilled water, cold waterand hot water can also be supplied from supply lines 157, 157' and 157"to the discharge line 158 of this pump, the pump being renderedinoperative by control means (not shown) when this is done. The outletline 158 connects with an overhead stationary spray tree 159 in the topof the washing compartment 71 and which sprays the wash water, distilledwater, cold water or hot water supplied to it downwardly upon thearticles to be washed contained within the washing compartment 71.

A particular feature of the invention resides in the supply of thiswater via a branch line 160 to the bottom of the washing compartment 71.This branch line 160 extends through a screen 161 removably supported onangle irons 162 on the opposite sidewalls 88 and 89 of the washingcompartment 71. The discharge end of this branch 160 includes an uprightfloor flange coupling 163 into which is screwed the lower threaded endof an upstanding nozzle indicated generally at 165. The upper part ofthis nozzle has a sidewall 166 provided with a concentric smoothcylindrical surface 168 and also has an end head 169 enclosing its upperend. The nozzle 165 has a plurality of relatively large openings 170through its cylindrical sidewall 166, and the nozzle 165 also has anannular row of relatively small orifices 171 extending verticallythrough its end head 169 close to the margin thereof and concentric witha small orifice 172 through the center of the end head. On thecylindrical surface 168 of the nozzle 165 is slidably mounted avertically slidable cylindrical coupler indicated generally at 175. Thisvertically slidable cylindrical coupler comprises a cylindrical metalsleeve 176 the inside diameter of which is substantially larger than thecylindrical external surface 168 of the nozzle so as to provide anannular chamber 178 between these two parts. In the bottom of thissleeve 176 is pinned, or otherwise secured, a slide bearing bushing 179which slidingly engages the external cylindrical surface 168 of thenozzle 165. In the upper end of the sleeve 176 is fixedly mounted aringshaped end head composed of four parts, namely, a bottom washerlikeend head 180 soldered or otherwise secured as indicated at 181 withinthe bore of the sleeve near its upper end, an outer sleeve 182 pressfitted in the upper end of the sleeve 176 against the upper face of theouter part of the washerlike end head 180, a resilient valve collar 183of soft resilient plastic material, such as synthetic rubber, fittedwith its outer periphery in the bore of the outer sleeve 182 andprotruding a substantial distance upwardly above the upper coplanarfaces of the sleeve 182 and an inner tubular sleeve 184 fitting the boreof the synthetic rubber valve collar 183 and the lower end of which isattached to the washerlike end head 180 around a central opening 185therein of which the bore of the inner sleeve 184 forms a continuation.Rods 186 can join and space the washerlike end head 180 and slidebearing bushing 179 and a thrust or step-bearing ring 188 is preferablyprovided at the bottom of the cylindrical surface 168 of the nozzle fora purpose which will presently appear.

An important feature of the of the invention resides in the relationbetween the washerlike end head 180 and the annular row of orifices 171in the end head 169 of the nozzle 165. Thus in the fully loweredposition of the vertically slidable cylindrical coupler 185 thewasherlike end head 180 seats on the top face of the end head 169 inposition to close the entire annular row of orifices 171 through thislast end head. When the water pressure in the nozzle 165 is relieved,any water trapped in the vertically slidable cylindrical coupler escapesthrough its central orifice 172 and this vertically slidable cylindricalcoupler 175 slides down by gravity with its bearing bushing 179 formingthe sliding surface on the cylindrical surface 166 of the nozzle 165,until the washerlike end head engages and seats upon the upper end head169 of the nozzle 165 to close the annular row of orifices 171therethrough. When wash water, distilled water, cold water or hot wateris introduced via the branch line 160 into the nozzle 165, the pressureof this water in the annular row of orifices 171 is exerted upwardlyagainst the underside of the washerlike end head thereby to lift thesliding vertically slidable cylindrical coupler 175. The water can thenescape in volume from the annular chamber 178, under the washerlike endhead 180 and upwardly through its central opening and the bore of themetal sleeve 184 and synthetic rubber collar 183 to discharge upwardlyinto one of several mating devices as hereinafter described. lt will benoted that the vertically slidable cylindrical coupler 175 can be easilymanually lifted from the nozzle 165 for servicing or for replacementwith the rotary spray tree illustrated in FIGS. 21-25.

SPlNDLE RACK ATTACHMENT, FIGS. 214

One of a number of attachments used in conjunction with the washer is aspindle rack 190 illustrated in conjunction with the form of theinvention shown in FIGS. 2-14. This spindle rack is particularlydesigned for the thorough internal cleansing of very long or narrownecked vessels of glassware indicated at A, FIGS. 2-4, these pieces ofglassware being fitted over or suspended on the upwardly projectingspindles 191 of the spindle rack 190 the upper ends of which spindlesare open so as to discharge water directly against the inverted bottomof the vessels A to flow downwardly along the sides thereof and outthrough their mouths.

To this end the spindle rack 190 comprises a central horizontal bodytube 192 which is preferably square in cross section and the ends ofwhich are closed by end heads 193 and 194 which, as best shown in FIG.9, are arranged in closely spaced relation to the front and rearinverted C-shaped crossbars 138, 140 of the dolly 135. The end head 193of this body tube of the spindle rack 190 has a pin 195 which is fittedin the central hole 150 of the crossbar 139 and its opposite end isprovided with a longitudinally projecting tongue 196 having a keyholeslot 198 which is adapted to be fitted over and latched to a headed pin199 projecting upwardly from the center of the crossbar 138 of thedolly.

The central body tube 192 of the spindle rack is provided with aplurality of branch pipes 200 projecting laterally therefrom in ahorizontal plane and having their outboard ends supported by the flanges141 of the inverted Cshaped side bars 139 of the dolly 135. As bestshown in FIG. 10 each of these branch tubes 200 extends through and issuitably secured in opposite side openings 201 in the central body tube192 to project from opposite sides of this central body tube. Water fromthe central body tube 192 is supplied to each of these branch tubes 200via an opening 202 in the latter contained within the central body tube192 as best shown in FIG. 10. The outboard end of each of these branchtubes is preferably closed by a removable nylon end head 204, the samebeing shown as comprising a plug having a head 205 and stem 206, thelatter being inserted into the outboard end of the corresponding branchpipe 200 and being held in sealed engagement therewith by an O-ring 208.

The spindle rack 190 includes a plurality of upstanding tubular spindles191 the upper ends of which are open and the lower ends of which arescrewed in a fitting 209, these fittings 209 extending through the topsof the branch pipes 200 at suitably spaced intervals and being solderedthereto, the water from these branch pipes 200 being conducted throughthese fittings 209 to the several spindles 191 to be discharged upwardlytherefrom against the inside of the glassware vessels A placed thereon.

An important feature of the spindle rack 190 resides in the provision ofmeans for coupling the horizontal center body tube 192 with thevertically slidable cylindrical coupler 175 each time the water in thenozzle 165 is pressurized. For this purpose the central body tube 192 isprovided at its center with an opening 210 through its bottom, thisopening being surrounded by horizontal washerlike disc 21] having acentral opening 212 therethrough. When the dolly 135 containing aspindle rack 190 is centered on the tracks 111 in the washingcompartment 71 the opening 210 of the bottom washerlike disc 21] of thespindle rack 190 is arranged coaxially of the synthetic rubber collar183 of the tubular coupler 175. Accordingly when distilled water, coldwater, hot water or rinse water is introduced under pressure via thebranch line 160 into the nozzle 165, the pressure of this water in theannular row of orifices 171 will raise the vertically slidablecylindrical coupler 175 and cause its synthetic rubber collar 183 toengage and seal against the under side of the washerlike disc 211 of thespindle rack 190. The sealed relation is maintained by the pressure ofthe water against the full under surface of the washerlike end head 180after it leaves contact with the spindle end head 169 so that the watersupplied under pressure from the nozzle 165 is introduced in volume intothe central tube, branch pipes and spindles 192, 200 and 191 of thespindle rack thereby to wash the interiors of the glassware vessels Aplaced on these spindles.

PlPETTE WASHING ATTACHMENTS, FIGS. -17

In FIGS. 1517'are illustrated attachments for washing both so-calledeasy and so-called hard pipettes, the easy wash pipettes B having largeopenings at their opposite ends and the hard wash pipettes C each havingone end constricted to have a very small orifice.

The common attachment for both types of pipettes comprises a holder 219including a sheet metal channel-shaped body 220 having longitudinalvertically extending side flanges 221 to which are secured, as bywelding, a pair of pins 222 which project outwardly from one end of thechannel-shaped body and are positioned to be inserted in the pair ofholes 151 in the C-shaped cross bar 139 of the dolly 135. The oppositeend of the channel-shaped body 220 is provided with a verticallyextending flange 223 to which a tongue 224 is secured, this tongueprotruding longitudinally from the center of the channel-shaped body andbeing provided with a keyhole slot 225 adapted to fit over and beremovably attached to the headed pin 199 projecting upwardly from theC-shaped crossbar 138 of the dolly.

At its center an upstanding tubular tank 228 is secured to thechannel-shaped body 220 the lower open end of this tubular tank beingflanged, as indicated at 229, and this flange secured to the top face ofthe channel-shaped body 220 and the upper end of this tank preferablybeing strengthened by a bead 230.

The channel-shaped body 220 is provided with four large holes 231extending vertically therethrough in centered relation with a centralhole 232 also extending vertically therethrough. The tank is alsoprovided with a pair of swing latches 233 at its opposite sides whichare adapted to hold a cover 234 in sealing relation with the open upperend of the tank. This cover comprises a sheet metal cap having adepending rim 235 having a liner 236 of soft resilient plastic material,such as synthetic rubber, and which liner for the rim 235 snugly fitsthe bead 230 at the upper end of the tank 228.

The cover is provided at opposite sides with catches 238 in the form ofears having upwardly projecting detent portions 239 spaced from the bodyof the tank 228. The swing latches 233 are pivoted on opposite sides ofthe tank 228 so that their upper ends swing out and up to engage withthese cars. Each swing latch is provided at its opposite end with aspring finger 240 which is shaped to spring over and releasably claspthe upwardly projecting detent portion 239 of a corresponding ear 238.

This cover is not used when washing the easy to wash or large mouthpipettes B, and when washing these, a washerlike pad or disc 241 of softresilient plastic material such as rubber is first placed in the tank onits bottom, this pad being shaped so as to close the four large holes231 in the bottom of the tank and to leave the central hole 232 open. Ontop of this pad is then placed a basket or holder 242 for the largemouth pipettes B. This basket comprises a bottom outer cylinder 243;inner cylindrical ring 244; a circular piece of wire mesh 245 having itscircular margin interposed between this bottom cylinder and bottom ring;a U-shaped handle 246 having the bottom of its vertical legs secured tothe inside of the bottom cylinder 243; and a plurality of sleeves 248spaced upwardly from the bottom cylinder 243 and from each other andsecured to the sides of the handle 246 so as to form the upper part of atubular basket. With the large mouth pipettes B placed in this basketand the filled basket loaded in the tank 228 with the grip portion ofthe handle 246 uppermost, when the nozzle is pressurized with distilled,cold, hot or washed water the pressure thereof in the annular series oforifices 171, against the washerlike end head 180, FIG. 10, raises thecylindrical coupling along the exterior cylindrical face 168 of thisnozzle 166 and forces its rubber collar 183 into engagement with thebottom of the channel-shaped holder 220. With the dolly 135 containingthis channel-shaped holder properly centered in the washing compartment71, the bore of this resilient valve collar 183 is in register with thehole 232 of the channel-shaped holder 220. Accordingly the water fromthe vertically slidable cylindrical coupler 175, escaping from theannular chamber 178, flows upwardly through the opening 232 into thebottom of the tank 228 from which it is distributed in the space underthe screen 245 to the various large mouth pipettes B to flow upwardlytherethrough as well as around the outside of these pipettes. This wateroverflows the beaded upper rim 230 of the tank. On removing the basketof cleaned pipettes B the water drains back through the screened bottom245.

When washing the small mouth pipettes C which are difficult to clean,different parts are used. Thus, the use of the rubber disc 241 iseliminated, and the holder 250 used for the small mouth pipettes Ccomprises a large diameter central tube 251 having an annularring-shaped base 252 secured to its bottomv This ring-shaped base isprovided with an annular peripheral groove into which is set the innerpart of a circular screen 253 the outer part of which is arranged closeto the inside of the cylindrical tank 228.

To the periphery of this central tube 251 are suitably secured discs255, 256, 258 and 259 having openings 260 which are in axial alignmentwith one another and through which the small mouth pipettes C areadapted to be individually inserted. However, the lower pair 255 and 256of these discs are spaced closely together and are arranged near thebottom of the central tube 251 and sandwiched between them in a circularbody 261 of soft, resilient plastic material the perimeter of whichprojects outwardly from these discs 255 and 256 so as to frictionallyengage and seal against the inside of the tank 228. This sealing body isprovided with through holes 262 which align with the holes 260 but areof smaller size so as to frictionally engage and seal against the sidesof the pipettes C and also so as to be of reduced size when pipettes arenot present therein. The central tube 251 is provided with a series ofopenings 263 through its sidewalls leading to the space above thesealing body 261 and the top of this central tube can be provided with aplug 264 to which a handle 265 of any suitably form can be secured.

In washing small mouth pipettes C they are threaded through the openings260 of the discs 259, 258, 256 and 255, small mouth end first, down fromthe top of the holder until their small mouth ends pass through and aresealed in the openings 262 of the sealing body 261 at the bottom of theholder. The rubber disc 241 used with the large mouth pipettes are inFIGS. and 16 is not employed and instead the holder 250 containing thesmall mouth pipettes C is inserted, screen 253 first, down into the tank228. The cover 234 is then placed and the swinging latches 233 swungupwardly to engage and bear down upon the detent projections 239 of thecover.

Upon now admitting the required water under pressure into the nozzle165, this pressure in the annular series of orifices 171 raises thevertically slidable cylindrical coupling 175 so as to bring itsresilient valve collar 183 into engagement with the ring-shaped base 252of the holder 250. Accordingly the water from the nozzle 165 and coupler175 now passes, as indicated by the arrows in FIG, 17, up through thecentral tube 251 of the holder 250, and escapes through the openings 263as indicated by the arrows in this figure. Upon filling the tank spacearound the upper part ofthe pipettes C this water has no place to escapeexcept flowing downwardly through the center of the pipettes C, thecover 234 preventing the water from overflowing the tank and the sealbody 261 preventing the water from flowing directly out through thebottom of the tank. Accordingly the small mouth pipettes are washed,rinsed, sanitized or otherwise treated internally and externally, thewater flowing down through these pipettes and escaping through the holes231 in the bottom of the tank.

SURGICAL INSTRUMENT ATTACHMENT FIGS. 18-20 In FIGS. 18-20 is illustratedan attachment 270 for washing surgical instruments D this attachmentalso being secured to the dolly 135 to be in centered relationtherewith. This attachment comprises a holder indicated generally at 271and a basket 272 removably placed within this holder and supporting thesurgical instruments D. The holder 271 comprises a generally rectangularbottom 273 having sidewalls 274 rising therefrom and having front andrear end walls 275 rising from its front and rear edges. To theunderside of the bottom wall 273 is secured the upwardly projectingflanges of a channelshaped conduit 278 which extends the full lengthofthe holder and is closed at its opposite ends. This channel-shapedconduit is provided with a central opening 279 which, with the holder271 on a dolly centrally positioned in the washing compartment 71 alignswith the rubber valve collar 183 of the cylindrical coupler 175.

The bottom 273 is provided with a central series of through openings 280leading to the interior of the channel-shaped conduit 278 and at eachend the holder is provided with a header 281 extending the full width ofthe holder and having a top wall 283 secured at its edge to thecorresponding end wall 275 of the holder, a vertical wall 284 spacedinwardly from each end wall 275 of the container to form a chamber 285,and a bottom flange 286 projects horizontally from the bottom edge ofthe vertical wall 284 and away from the end wall 275 of the container,this flange preferably being spaced above the bottom wall 273 as bestshown in FIGS. 19 and 20. Each end compartment 285 is provided with alarge opening 288 leading to the channel-shaped conduit 278 and throughwhich water is introduced into and removed from the end chambers 285this water passing through holes 289 in the vertical wall 284. Theholder 271 is provided with a pair of pins 290 projecting from one endthereof to enter the pair of openings 191 in the dolly 135, these pinsbeing welded to blocks 291 and secured to the underside of the holder atone end thereof. The opposite end is provided with a central tongue 292protruding horizontally therefrom and having a keyhole slot 293 adaptedto fit over and be latched to the headed pin 15] of the dolly 135.

The basket 272 can be of any suitable form, being shown as having arectangular wire frame 295 formed to provide handles 296 and to mount atray-shaped wire cloth 298 in which the surgical instruments D areplaced. With the basket 272 of instruments D placed in the holder 271and this holder latched to the dolly 135 and the dolly centered in thewashing compartment 71, when liquid under pressure is admitted to thenozzle 165, this pressure in the annular row of orifices 171 lifts thecoupling sleeve 175 and brings the rubber valve collar 183 intoengagement with the center of the channel-shaped conduit 278 surroundingits central opening 279. This water escapes upwardly through theopenings 280 in the central part of the holder bottom 273 to impingeagainst the undersides of the instruments D laying on the bottom of thewire basket 272. This water also passes through the large end openings288 into the end chambers 285 and escapes through the holes 289 in theinner wall 284 of this end chamber so as to impinge against the ends ofthe wire basket 272. This water overflows the holder 271, and when thebasket 272 is removed the water drains from the instruments D. Similarlywhen the holder 271 is removed the water drains through the holes 280,288, 289 and 279 so that no water is trapped in the compartments 285 orchannel-shaped conduit 278.

ROTARY SPRAY TREE The forms of the invention illustrated in FIGS. 21-25are particularly characterized by the employment of a rotary spray tree300 mounted on the cylindrical periphery 168 of the nozzle 165. As bestshown in FIGS. 21 through 23 this rotary spray tree comprises a metalsleeve 301 having an internal diameter substantially larger than thecylindrical periphery 168 of the nozzle which it surrounds so as to forman annular chamber 302 therebetween. Fixed within the lower end of thesleeve 301 is a rotary bearing bushing 303 which fits the cylindricalexternal surface 168 of the nozzle 165 and which also rides on the stepbearing or thrust ring 188. Fixed within the upper end of thecylindrical sleeve 301 is a second bearing bushing 304 fitting the upperend of the cylindrical surface 168 of the nozzle 165. This last bearingbushing has a pair of diametrically oppositely located vertical openings305 therethrough and the chamber 302 between the bearing bushings 303and 304 is in communication with the side openings 170 ofthe nozzle 135.

Tubular arms 308 are fixed to and project diametrically oppositely fromthe sleeve 301 the open inner ends of these tubular arms being incommunication with the annular chamber 302. The outer ends of these armscan be closed by removable plugs 309 of any suitable form and each ofthese arms is provided with a series of openings 310 in its topextending the full length of the arm and adapted to direct streams ofwater upwardly. To secure rotation of the arms 308 about the axis of thenozzle 165, each is provided at its outer end with a side orifice 311,these orifices being directed in a clockwise direction ifthe tree is torotate counterclockwise and vice versa.

. With such a rotary spray tree 300 as illustrated in FIGS. 21-23mounted on the nozzle, when the water from the nozzle 165, in additionto discharging upwardly through its top orifices 171 and 172 also passesthrough its side openings 170 into the arms 308. On emerging through thesidewall holes 311 at the ends of these arms, these streams create aforce rotating the arms 308 and their sleeve 301 about the axis of thenozzle 165, the bearing bushings 303 and 304 of this sleeve riding onthe periphery of the nozzle 165 and being supported by the step bearing188. Accordingly the streams of water escaping upwardly from the holes310 in these arms as well as from the pair of holes 305 in the upperbearing sleeve 304 are rotated so as to travel around the bottom of thewash ing compartment 71 and to impinge any glassware in holderssupported thereabove.

Such glassware can be Petri dishes E supported in a rack 315. Thisbasket can be fomied of wires suitably secured together to form arectangular frame 316 with bottom and sidewalls fitting in the dolly 135to rest upon the flanges 141 and 142. This basket can also have internalcross wires 318 forming slots or nests adapted to receive the lowerparts of the Petri dishes E in the parallel angular position illustratedin FIG. 23.

For washing large mouth beakers F, a rack 320 as illustrated in FIG. 24can be employed, this rack comprising a rectangular frame 321 of wiresadapted to fit within the dolly 135 and rest upon its flanges 141 and142. This frame can have handles 322 and is composed of horizontal crosswires which can support groups of upwardly projecting spring wires 323over which groups of the large mouth beakers F can be individuallyplaced so as to obtain the desired spacing thereof.

For test tubes G, the holder comprises a rectangular bottom plate 325having its rim shaped to fit within the dolly 135 and be supported onits flanges 141, 142 this bottom plate also having an upwardlyprojecting marginal rim 326. This bottom plate can be provided with aplurality of rectangular openings 328 over which rectangular wire clothbaskets 329 can be placed. In each of these baskets test tubes G areplaced in groups with their open ends down. Short test tubes G can beplaced in one basket, the next size in another basket and larger testtubes in another basket. In order to prevent the upward force of thestreams of water issuing upwardly from the rotary spray tree 300 fromdriving any of these test tubes upwardly, a wire cloth cover 330,preferably having a wire rim 331, can be placed over the group of testtubes in each basket and either weighted to hold the test tubes down orprovided with suitable fastening pins 332 adapted to be inserted inopenings 333 in strips 334 forming part ofthe end walls of thesebaskets.

OPERATION The various forms of glassware and instruments, holders andbaskets shown, after being emptied at the sorting tables 40, FIG. 1, inthe nonsterile storage and sorting area 33, are brought through the door46 into the soiled entry area 30 where they are refilled with soiledglassware or instruments. Confining attention first to the form ofspindle rack 190 shown in FIGS. 214, they are refilled with thelaboratory glassware A which this particular type of spindle rack isdesigned to wash. Such beakers A are inverted and placed individuallyupside down over a corresponding spindle 191, the beakers A beingsupported in an elevated position by the upper ends of the spindles.

After a spindle rack 190 has been so loaded with beakers A, it isbrought into a decontamination area 31 and brought up to the washer 35embodying the present invention. The front or inlet door of this passthrough washer 35 is then opened by releasing its latch 132 from thecatch 131 and lowering the door to the horizontal position shown inFIGS. 3 and 4. The door swings about its pivot pins 124 to this positionin which it is held by the stop block 129, FIG. 5.

From the preceding washer a dolly 135 has been emptied and returned tothe washing compartment 71 of the washer, being supported by its rollers146 on the rails 111 therein. This empty dolly is then drawn forwardlyby its handle 148 onto the rails 118 on the front or entry door 115,these latter rails aligning with the rails 111 in the washingcompartment 71 so that the dolly can be easily rolled from one pair ofrails to the other.

The filled spindle rack 190 is then mounted in this empty dolly 135 onthe front or entry door 115. This is done by passing the pin 195 at oneend of the central body tube 192 of this spindle rack in the centralopening 150 of the rear crossbar 139 of the dolly and lowering thespindle rack until the end blocks 204 of its branch pipes 200 aresupported on the flanges 141 of the side bars 140 of the dolly. In doingso the keyhole slot 198 of the tongue 196 is brought down over theheaded pin 199 on the front crossbar 138 of the dolly and the spindlerack is then shifted rearwardly so that the headed pin 199 is lodged inthe small part of the keyhole slot 198 to retain the spindle rack 190against upward displacement.

The dolly 135 so loaded with the spindle rack 190 is then pushed intothe washing compartment 71, its rollers 146 riding from the rails 118 onthe horizontal front or entry door 115 onto the rails 111 in the washingcompartment 71. The attendant in the decontamination area 31 then closesthe front or entry door 115 by lifting its outboard end and latches thesame in a closed upright position, this serving to enclose the washingcompartment 71.

The operator, or suitable automatic control mechanism (not shown) canthen start any required sequence of rinsing and washing the glassware Aby introducing cold water, hot water or distilled water from the supplylines 157, 157' and 157" into the line 158, FIG. 2, or by energizing thepump to withdraw wash water from the body 106 contained within the washwater storage tank compartment 72 and supplying this wash water underpressure to the pipe 158. During this operation the diverter plate 101,FIGS. 2 and 3 can be tilted to divert the used water emerging from thetail pipe 86 of the washing compartment 71 either into the waste watertrough 95, as shown by full lines in FIG. 2 or to the body 106 of washwater in the wash water storage tank compartment 72. The water whendiverted to the waste water trough 95 flows out through the drain 98,100 and the water so diverted into the body 106 is recirculated by thepump 155.

In every such sequence of washing or rinsing, water under pressure issupplied to the pipe 158 FIGS. 2 and 3, thereby to produce downwardsprays from the overhead spray tree 159 and to wash the exterior of theinverted beakers A on the spindles 191 within the washing compartment71. In addition, however, the water in the branch line 160 ispressurized, thereby to pressurize the liquid within the upstandingcylindrical nozzle illustrated in detail in FIG. 10. The pressure withinthis nozzle 165, pressurizes the liquid in the annular row of orifices171. This pressure is exerted upwardly against the washerlike end headof the vertically slidable cylindrical coupler 175, now in its fullydepressed position, and pressure against this end head forces thisvertically slidable cylindrical body 175 upwardly, this body beingguided in this movement by its sliding bearing bushing 179.

The important result of this upward movement of the vertically slidablecylindrical coupler 175 is that its resilient valve sleeve 183 is movedupwardly into sealing contact with the washerlike plate horizontal disc211 fast to the under side of the spindle rack at its center. This sealis maintained essentially by an increase in the effective area of thewasherlike end head 180 of the vertically slidable cylindrical coupler175, the full area of this end head being now subject to water pressure.Thus, as soon as the washerlike end head 180 of the vertically slidablecylindrical coupler 175 leaves contact with the end head 169 of thenozzle 165, liquid immediately starts to flow from the annular chamber178 over the top of the nozzle end head 169 to exert its upwardlyeffective force against the full underside of the washerlike end head180 of the vertically slidable cylindrical coupler 175 to urge thevertically slidable cylindrical coupler 175 upwardly and to maintain aseal between the upper end of the resilient valve sleeve 183 and thewasherlike disc 211 fixed to the underside of the spindle rack 190.

This into passes through the resilient valve sleeve 183 and opening 212of this washerlike disc 211 into the central tube 192 of the spindlerack 190. From there this water is distributed through the ports 202into the various branch tubes 200 and from these branch tubes 200 thewater passes upwardly through the fittings 209 into the upright spindles191 the upper ends of which are open so that the water is forced againstthe inside of the bottoms of the various beakers A carried by thespindles to flow downwardly along the sidewalls and emerge from themouths thereof, this water, together with the water from the overheadspray tree 159, being collected on the bottom wall 85 of the washingcompartment 71 to drain into the tail pipe 86 and to be diverted by thedeflector plate 101 either into the waste water trough 95 or to the body106 of wash water in the wash water storage compartment 72, aspreviously described.

After the sequence of washing and rinsing operations has been completed,an operator in the nonsterile storage and sorting area 33 opens the rearor exit door 115a by releasing the latch 132a from the catch 131a andlowering the door about its pivot pins 1240 until it is held in ahorizontal position by the stop blocks 129a. In this position its pairof rails 118a are in alignment with the pair of rails 111 in the bottomof the washing compartment 71. The operator then by means of a handle148 pulls the dolly 135 out on to the rear or exit door 115a, therollers 146 supporting the dolly riding from one pair of rails to theother. The operator then removes the loaded spindle rack 190 from thedolly 135, pushes the dolly 135 back into the washing compartment 71 andcloses and latches the rear or exit door 1150. The spindle rack 1 90loaded with the washed beakers A is then moved to the sorting tables 40.After the beakers A have been removed from the spindle rack 190 onto thesorting tables 40, the racks are brought back through the door 46 intothe soiled entry area 30 for refilling as previously described. v

As large mouth pipettes B accumulate in the soiled entry area 30 theyare inserted into the baskets 242, FIG. 16, in a vertical position onthe bottom screen 245 of each basket, the open mouth pipettes being heldupright by the side rings 243 and 248 thereof. When a basket 242 hasbeen filled, a disc 241 of rubber is placed in the bottom of the tank228 of a holder 219 and this holder is taken to the washer 35 in thedecontamination area 31 and the front or inlet door 115 of the washer isopened and its dolly 135 is rolled out from its washing compartment 71onto the rails 118 of this door. The holder 219 is then secured to thisdolly 135, the end pins 222 of this holder being inserted in the pair ofside holes 151 in the rear crossbar 139 of the dolly 135 and the headedpin 199 of the dolly being brought up through the keyhole slot 225 ofits tongue 224 and the holder shoved rearwardly so as to latch thekeyhole slotted tongue under this headed pin.

The operator then shoves the loaded dolly from the rails 118 on thefront or inlet door 115 of the washer onto the rails 111 within thewashing compartment 71 and closes and latches the front or entry door;The required sequence of rinsing and washing the pipettes in the basketB is then applied in the same manner as previously described andsupplying water under pressure, FIG. 10, to the nozzle 165 appliespressure through the orifices 171 to raise the vertically slidablecylindrical coupler 175 and to cause its resilient valve collar 183 toseal against the underside of the channel-shaped body 220 of the holder219, but with the holder 219 this seal is made directly with theunderside of its channel-shaped body 220 as shown in FIG. 16 todischarge the water through the port 232 upwardly into the space belowthe screen bottom 245. This water passes upwardly through the open mouthpipettes B to overflow the tank 228. This water also passes, of course,around the exterior of these pipettes.

After the washing and rinsing operation has been completed the rear orexit door 115a is opened, the loaded dolly 135 rolled out, and theholder 219 removed to the sorting tables 40, following which the emptycontainers are brought back to the soiled entry area 30 through the door46.

As small mouth pipettes C accumulate in the soiled entry area 30 theyare inserted in the holder 250, FIG. 17, being inserted downwardlythrough the holes 260 in the discs 255, 256, 258 and 259 carried by thecentral tube 251 of this holder and the lower ends of these pipettes Cbeing forced through the rubber seal 261 sandwiched between the lowerpair of discs 255, 256. The rubber disc 241, FIGS. 15 and 16, ifpresent, is then removed from the bottom of the tank 228 of the holder219 and the loaded holder 250 is inserted into the tank 228 of thisholder 219. In inserting the holder 250 the periphery of the softsealing disc 261 is brought into pressure contact with the bore of thetank 228. The operator then closes and latches the cover 234, opens thefront or entry door 115 of the washer 35, rolls out the empty dolly 135from its washing compartment 71, and loads the holder 219 on this dollyin the same manner as described in connection with washing the openmouth pipettes B. He then rolls the loaded dolly 135 into the washingcompartment 71 and closes and latches the front or entry door 115.

The rinse or wzush water is then supplied in the same manner aspreviously described, the pressure of this water, through the orifices171, FIG. 10, of the nozzle 165, causing the vertically slidablecylindrical coupler 175 to rise, but in washing the small mouth pipettesC, FIG. 17, the resilient valve sleeve 183 of this vertically slidablecylindrical coupler 175 is brought into sealing contact with bottom ofthe channel-shaped body 220 of the holder 219 around its port 232. Witheach wash or rinse sequence, the pressurized water flows past the basering 252 up the central tube 251 and out through its side openings 263to wash the exterior of the small mouth pipettes C. This water alsoenters the top of these pipettes and flows under pressure downwardlytherethrough to emerge from their lower ends against the bottom screen253 through which the water drains through the openings 231 to flow downto the bottom of the washing compartment 71 and its tail pipe 85 andfrom there to be diverted by the deflector plate 101 either in the draintrough or in the body 106 of the wash water.

The rubber sealing disc 261 has an effective seal at its peripheryagainst the bore of the cylinder 228 and if any hole 262 therein is leftunfilled with a pipette C, it is of reduced diameter, as illustrated inFIG. 17 so as to provide increased impedance to bypassing of the waterthrough this soft rubber sealing disc 261 without passing through theinteriors of the pipettes Cr As surgical instruments D accumulate in thesoiled entry area 30 they are placed in the baskets 272 and the filledbaskets 272 are placed in the holders 271 and these holders 271 mountedin the empty dolly 135 withdrawn onto the rails 118 of the open door ofthe washer 35. This mounting of the holders 271 is done by inserting thepair of pins 290 through the pair of holes 151 in the rear crossbar 139of the dolly and catching the headed pin 199 in the keyhole slot 293 ofthe tongue 292 of this basket.

The loaded dolly is then rolled into the washing compartment 71 alongthe rails 118 and 111 and the front or entry door 115 latched and thewashing and rinsing sequence started as previously described. Supplyingrinse or wash water under pressure raises the vertically slidablecylindrical coupler 175, FIG. 10, and its resilient valve collar 183,but with the form of the invention shown in FIGS. l820 this resilientvalve collar 183 contacts the underside of the channel-shaped conduit278 around its central opening 279 to supply the water to the interiorof this conduit. This water flows upwardly through the holes 280 in thebottom plate 273 of the holder 271 and thence upwardly through thescreen basket 272 to flow past and wash the instruments D, overflowingthe holder 27]. Water also enters the end compartments 285 and flows outhorizontally through the holes 289 in the inner walls 284 of thesechambers to impinge against the ends of the screen basket 272 and washthe instruments D from a horizontal direction.

The operation of the rotary spray tree illustrated in FIGS. 21-25 is asfollows, this rotary spray tree 300 being substituted for the verticallyslidable cylindrical coupler 175 on the nozzle 165.

When the dolly 135 is used with the basket 315 for the Petri dishes E;or with the wire holder 320 for the large mouth beakers F; or with theholder 325 and wire mesh baskets 329 for the test tubes G, the rotaryspray tree 300 is substituted for the vertically slidable cylindricalcoupler 175 employed in the forms of the invention illustrated in FIGS.220. When water is supplied under pressure for rinsing or washing theglassware in said holder, this pressure in the nozzle 165 produces upwardly directed jets from the orifices 171 and 172 in the end head 169of this nozzle 165, and these jets impinge against the glassware in thecenter of such baskets or containers in the washing compartment 71. Inaddition the pressurized water from the nozzle 16S passes through itsside ports 170 into the annular chamber 302 between the bearing bushings303 and 304 for the rotary cylinder supporting the laterally projeetingtubular arms 308. A part of this water passes upwardly through theorifices 305 in the top bearing bushing 304 to jet upwardly against theunderside of the glassware, this bearing bushing preferably being fixedto the cylinder 301 so as to rotate therewith and thereby swing the jetsof water issuing from these orificesin a circle under the glassware. Thewater under pressure in the tubular arms 308 also escapes through theorifices 311 provided in the sides of these tubular arms at the outerends thereof. These orifices are arranged to jointly rotate the tree 300in either a clockwise or counterclockwise direction whereby the tubulararms 308 sweep under the full undersides of the glassware contained inthe baskets or holders on the dolly thereabove. The water from thesearms also escapes through the series of top holes 310 in these tubulararms 308 so as to impinge against the undersides of the glassware as thearms rotate. Desirably, of course, the top of this glassware can bewashed by the overhead spray tree 159 which can be made to be stationaryor to rotate as may be desired. It will be noted that the holders orbaskets shown in FIGS. 23-25 support the glassware in an inverted orpartly inverted position so that draining of the water between wash andrinse cycles, and at the end ofthe sequence, is rapid.

From the foregoing it will be seen that the present invention provides awasher which is highly effective in washing large quantities of manydifferent types of articles, particularly the many different shapes oflaboratory glassware used in hospitals and research facilities, havingfor this purpose a variety of attachments not only in the holders orbaskets for the glassware but also in the means whereby the water iseffciently distributed to the glassware contained in the holders orbaskets. The water distributing means includes either a coupler on thewater supply moved in response to water pressure to seal against a seaton the glassware basket or holder around an inlet opening to a waterdistributing means in the holder, or a rotary spray tree which can besubstituted for the coupler.

By power-actuated means, as used in the claims, for moving the coupler175 into engagement with the water inlet 211 of the dolly 135 is meantmeans including any source of stored power including, in addition to thewater pressure used, electricity, compressed air or other fluid underpressure.

What we claim is:

1. An improvement in a washing machine having a washing compartment, aholder for supporting articles to be washed and having an inlet member,means movably supporting said holder in a predetermined position in saidwashing compartment, said improvement comprising, an outlet member insaid compartment, a water coupler movably mounted to said outlet member,means adapted for alternatively supplying water to both said coupler andto a rotary spray head also adapted to be mounted to said outlet member,said last mentioned means comprising at least one opening in thesidewall of said outlet member adapted to communicate with said rotaryspray head, said coupler being movable into operative engagement withsaid inlet member responsive to water pressure from said outlet whensaid holder is in said predetermined position.

2. An improvement in accordance with claim 1 including at least oneopening in an upper head of said outlet member.

3. An improvement in accordance with claim 1 in which said coupler isslidably mounted to said outlet member.

4. An improvement in accordance with claim 1 in which said rotary sprayhead rotatably surrounds said outlet member.

5. A washing machine, comprising a cabinet forming a washingcompartment, horizontal rails mounted in the said washing compartment, adolly including a frame and rollers adapted to rollably support thedolly on said rails, a holder for supporting articles to be washed, saidholder being removably supported on said dolly, water distributionpassage means in said holder having an inlet opening receiving water andhaving outlet openings on said holder arranged to discharge against saidarticles carried on said holder, water supply means in said cabinet andreleasable coupling means adapted to connect said inlet opening withsaid water supply means, said holder comprises a central horizontal tubehaving said inlet opening in its bottom, a plurality of branch tubessupplied with water and projecting from said central horizontal tube ina common plane and supported at their ends on said dolly, and open topspindles supplied with water and projecting upwardly from said branchtubes adapted to individually support said articles to be washed.

6. A washing machine having a washing compartment, a pressurized watersupply tubular nozzle projecting upwardly into the bottom of saidwashing compartment and having a closed upper end head and a portthrough its sidewall and also having an annular series of upwardlydirected orifices in the marginal part of said upper end head, a movableholder for supporting and distributing water to the articles to bewashed and including means having a water inlet opening surrounded by adownwardly facing valve seat, means movably supporting said holder in apredetermined position in said washing compartment, a tubular watercoupler sleeve, a sliding bearing bushing fastened in the lower end ofsaid sleeve and slidingly mounted for vertical movement on the sidewallof said nozzle and forming a chamber in said tubular sleevecommunicating with said port, said tubular sleeve having an upper endhead positioned to seat on said end head of said nozzle to cover saidannular series of orifices and having a central discharge opening, and aresilient valve collar mounted on said end head of said sleeve tosurround its discharge opening and engageable with said downwardlyfacing valve seat, the water pressure in said annular series of orificesinitiating upward movement of said valve sleeve and resilient valvecollar toward said downwardly facing valveseat thereby to permit waterflow from said nozzle through its port into said chamber and from saidchamber between said end heads into said resilient valve collar and outthrough said inlet opening of said holder.

7. A washing machine having a washing compartment, a pressurized watersupply tubular nozzle in the bottom portion of said washing compartmentand having an end head and at least one side port, a movable holder forsupporting and distributing water to the articles to be washed andincluding means having a water inlet opening surrounded by an outwardlyfacing valve seat, means movably supporting said holder in apredetermined position in said washing compartment, a coupler sleevemounted for longitudinal sliding movement lengthwise of said nozzle andhaving an internal chamber communicating with said port, said sleevehaving a valve seat engageable with said first mentioned valve seat toengage and disengage in response to sliding movement of said sleeverelative to said nozzle, and means responsive to the pressure of thewater in said supply means affecting the movement of said sleeve toengage said first mentioned valve seat comprising a water outlet openingin an end head of said sleeve surrounded by its valve seat, and anorifice in said end head of said nozzle arranged to be closed by saidend head on said sleeve.

8. A washing machine. comprising a cabinet forming a washingcompartment, horizontal rails mounted in the lower part of said washingcompartment, said cabinet being provided in its front wall with an inletopening the lower part of which aligns with said rails, horizontal railsaligning at said inlet opening with said rails in said compartment, adolly including a frame and rollers adapted to rollably support thedolly on said rails, pressurized water supply means carried by saidcabinet, a holder for said articles adapted to be removably placed onsaid dolly comprising a bottom plate through which an inlet openingextends upwardly, an upstanding tank fixed to and rising from saidbottom plate in line with said inlet opening of said bottom plate, thebottom of said tank being provided with a drain opening, and a removablebasket adapted to support tubular open-ended articles to be washed in avertical position in said tank and comprising a vertical tubecommunicating at its lower end with said inlet opening through saidbottom plate and having an opening in its upper end, a horizontaldiaphragm fixed to the lower end of said vertical tube spaced from itslower extremity and adapted to have pressure contact with the insideface of the tank sidewall and provided with a plurality of openingsextending vertically therethrough and through which openings saidtubular articles are inserted, and a cover for said tank, whereby waterfrom said inlet opening of said bottom plate is conducted by saidvertical tube into the upper part of said tank to descend through theinteriors of said tubular open-ended articles and escape through saiddrain opening, and releasable coupling means adapted to connect saidbottom plate inlet opening with said pressurized water supply means,

9. A washing machine comprising a cabinet forming a washing compartment,horizontal laterally spaced rails mounted adjacent the lower part ofsaid washing compartment, said cabinet being provided with a sidewallopening the lower part of which aligns with said rails, a pressurizedwater supply leading to and having an upright cylindrical outlet memberarranged in the bottom of said washing compartment, a dolly movablysupported on said rails for movement through said sidewall opening intoand out of a position in the bottom of said washing compartment andcomposed of spaced longitudinal and cross members providing a low, flathorizontal frame operatively arranged in its entirety in the bottom ofsaid washing compartment and the greater part of the horizontal area ofwhich frame is open to permit water to be projected upwardly throughsaid dolly into said washing chamber, a plurality of holders for thearticles to be washed, means snuggly fitting each holder on top of saiddolly in predetermined relation thereto, a generally coaxial sleevesupported by said upright cylindrical outlet member, bearing meansinterposed between said sleeve and the said upright cylindrical outletmember and permitting both rotary and axial movement of said sleeverelative to said upright cylindrical outlet member, and means associatedwith said sleeve for distributing water from said upright cylindricaloutlet member upwardly through said dolly and against the articles onsaid holder carried by the dolly, said upright cylindrical outlet memberhaving at least one side port, and said sleeve surrounding said uprightcylindrical outlet member with said bearing means interposed betweensaid sleeve and the periphery of said upright cylindrical outlet member.

l0. A washing machine as set forth in claim 9 wherein said last meanscomprises a series of tubular arms projecting horizontally from saidsleeve and supplied with water from said side port, said arms havingdischarge 0 enin s some arranged to discharge upwardly through sai dolyinto said washing compartment and others arranged to dischargehorizontally to rotate said arms and sleeve around said uprightcylindrical outlet member.

11. A washing machine as set forth in claim 10 additionally includinghold-down means to prevent said dolly from being lifted free from saidrails.

12. A washing machine as set forth in claim 9 wherein said last meanscomprises an upwardly facing first valve seat on said tubular sleeve, arestricted opening through the upper part of said sleeve and surroundedby said valve seat, means providing a chamber between the bore of saidsleeve and the periphery of said upright cylindrical outlet memberwhereby the pressurized water from said side port raises said sleeveaxially, and said holder for the articles to be washed having adownwardly facing second valve seat positioned to mate with said firstvalve seat and also having means arranged to distribute the water fromsaid restricted opening to the articles on said holder.

13. A washing machine as set forth in claim 12 additionally includingmeans for latching said holder against being lifted free from saiddolly.

1. An improvement in a washing machine having a washing compartment, aholder for supporting articles to be washed and having an inlet member,means movably supporting said hOlder in a predetermined position in saidwashing compartment, said improvement comprising, an outlet member insaid compartment, a water coupler movably mounted to said outlet member,means adapted for alternatively supplying water to both said coupler andto a rotary spray head also adapted to be mounted to said outlet member,said last mentioned means comprising at least one opening in thesidewall of said outlet member adapted to communicate with said rotaryspray head, said coupler being movable into operative engagement withsaid inlet member responsive to water pressure from said outlet whensaid holder is in said predetermined position.
 2. An improvement inaccordance with claim 1 including at least one opening in an upper headof said outlet member.
 3. An improvement in accordance with claim 1 inwhich said coupler is slidably mounted to said outlet member.
 4. Animprovement in accordance with claim 1 in which said rotary spray headrotatably surrounds said outlet member.
 5. A washing machine, comprisinga cabinet forming a washing compartment, horizontal rails mounted in thesaid washing compartment, a dolly including a frame and rollers adaptedto rollably support the dolly on said rails, a holder for supportingarticles to be washed, said holder being removably supported on saiddolly, water distribution passage means in said holder having an inletopening receiving water and having outlet openings on said holderarranged to discharge against said articles carried on said holder,water supply means in said cabinet and releasable coupling means adaptedto connect said inlet opening with said water supply means, said holdercomprises a central horizontal tube having said inlet opening in itsbottom, a plurality of branch tubes supplied with water and projectingfrom said central horizontal tube in a common plane and supported attheir ends on said dolly, and open top spindles supplied with water andprojecting upwardly from said branch tubes adapted to individuallysupport said articles to be washed.
 6. A washing machine having awashing compartment, a pressurized water supply tubular nozzleprojecting upwardly into the bottom of said washing compartment andhaving a closed upper end head and a port through its sidewall and alsohaving an annular series of upwardly directed orifices in the marginalpart of said upper end head, a movable holder for supporting anddistributing water to the articles to be washed and including meanshaving a water inlet opening surrounded by a downwardly facing valveseat, means movably supporting said holder in a predetermined positionin said washing compartment, a tubular water coupler sleeve, a slidingbearing bushing fastened in the lower end of said sleeve and slidinglymounted for vertical movement on the sidewall of said nozzle and forminga chamber in said tubular sleeve communicating with said port, saidtubular sleeve having an upper end head positioned to seat on said endhead of said nozzle to cover said annular series of orifices and havinga central discharge opening, and a resilient valve collar mounted onsaid end head of said sleeve to surround its discharge opening andengageable with said downwardly facing valve seat, the water pressure insaid annular series of orifices initiating upward movement of said valvesleeve and resilient valve collar toward said downwardly facing valveseat thereby to permit water flow from said nozzle through its port intosaid chamber and from said chamber between said end heads into saidresilient valve collar and out through said inlet opening of saidholder.
 7. A washing machine having a washing compartment, a pressurizedwater supply tubular nozzle in the bottom portion of said washingcompartment and having an end head and at least one side port, a movableholder for supporting and distributing water to the articles to bewashed and including means having a water inlet opening surrounded by anoutwardly facing valve seat, means movably supporting said holder in apredeteRmined position in said washing compartment, a coupler sleevemounted for longitudinal sliding movement lengthwise of said nozzle andhaving an internal chamber communicating with said port, said sleevehaving a valve seat engageable with said first mentioned valve seat toengage and disengage in response to sliding movement of said sleeverelative to said nozzle, and means responsive to the pressure of thewater in said supply means affecting the movement of said sleeve toengage said first mentioned valve seat comprising a water outlet openingin an end head of said sleeve surrounded by its valve seat, and anorifice in said end head of said nozzle arranged to be closed by saidend head on said sleeve.
 8. A washing machine, comprising a cabinetforming a washing compartment, horizontal rails mounted in the lowerpart of said washing compartment, said cabinet being provided in itsfront wall with an inlet opening the lower part of which aligns withsaid rails, horizontal rails aligning at said inlet opening with saidrails in said compartment, a dolly including a frame and rollers adaptedto rollably support the dolly on said rails, pressurized water supplymeans carried by said cabinet, a holder for said articles adapted to beremovably placed on said dolly comprising a bottom plate through whichan inlet opening extends upwardly, an upstanding tank fixed to andrising from said bottom plate in line with said inlet opening of saidbottom plate, the bottom of said tank being provided with a drainopening, and a removable basket adapted to support tubular open-endedarticles to be washed in a vertical position in said tank and comprisinga vertical tube communicating at its lower end with said inlet openingthrough said bottom plate and having an opening in its upper end, ahorizontal diaphragm fixed to the lower end of said vertical tube spacedfrom its lower extremity and adapted to have pressure contact with theinside face of the tank sidewall and provided with a plurality ofopenings extending vertically therethrough and through which openingssaid tubular articles are inserted, and a cover for said tank, wherebywater from said inlet opening of said bottom plate is conducted by saidvertical tube into the upper part of said tank to descend through theinteriors of said tubular open-ended articles and escape through saiddrain opening, and releasable coupling means adapted to connect saidbottom plate inlet opening with said pressurized water supply means. 9.A washing machine comprising a cabinet forming a washing compartment,horizontal laterally spaced rails mounted adjacent the lower part ofsaid washing compartment, said cabinet being provided with a sidewallopening the lower part of which aligns with said rails, a pressurizedwater supply leading to and having an upright cylindrical outlet memberarranged in the bottom of said washing compartment, a dolly movablysupported on said rails for movement through said sidewall opening intoand out of a position in the bottom of said washing compartment andcomposed of spaced longitudinal and cross members providing a low, flathorizontal frame operatively arranged in its entirety in the bottom ofsaid washing compartment and the greater part of the horizontal area ofwhich frame is open to permit water to be projected upwardly throughsaid dolly into said washing chamber, a plurality of holders for thearticles to be washed, means snuggly fitting each holder on top of saiddolly in predetermined relation thereto, a generally coaxial sleevesupported by said upright cylindrical outlet member, bearing meansinterposed between said sleeve and the said upright cylindrical outletmember and permitting both rotary and axial movement of said sleeverelative to said upright cylindrical outlet member, and means associatedwith said sleeve for distributing water from said upright cylindricaloutlet member upwardly through said dolly and against the articles onsaid holder carried by the dolly, said upright cylindrical outlet membErhaving at least one side port, and said sleeve surrounding said uprightcylindrical outlet member with said bearing means interposed betweensaid sleeve and the periphery of said upright cylindrical outlet member.10. A washing machine as set forth in claim 9 wherein said last meanscomprises a series of tubular arms projecting horizontally from saidsleeve and supplied with water from said side port, said arms havingdischarge openings some arranged to discharge upwardly through saiddolly into said washing compartment and others arranged to dischargehorizontally to rotate said arms and sleeve around said uprightcylindrical outlet member.
 11. A washing machine as set forth in claim10 additionally including hold-down means to prevent said dolly frombeing lifted free from said rails.
 12. A washing machine as set forth inclaim 9 wherein said last means comprises an upwardly facing first valveseat on said tubular sleeve, a restricted opening through the upper partof said sleeve and surrounded by said valve seat, means providing achamber between the bore of said sleeve and the periphery of saidupright cylindrical outlet member whereby the pressurized water fromsaid side port raises said sleeve axially, and said holder for thearticles to be washed having a downwardly facing second valve seatpositioned to mate with said first valve seat and also having meansarranged to distribute the water from said restricted opening to thearticles on said holder.
 13. A washing machine as set forth in claim 12additionally including means for latching said holder against beinglifted free from said dolly.